Can you plant alfalfa after alfalfa?

1. For least risk, wait at least one year before reseeding alfalfa into a field previously in alfalfa. 2. At a minimum, do not reseed alfalfa into a previous alfalfa field until at least two weeks after destroying the previous alfalfa stand using tillage.

What temperature is alfalfa?

Alfalfa seed germinates best at soil temperatures between 65-85°F. If soil temperature is 40°F, it takes alfalfa six days to germinate, but only two days at 65°F.

How many years will alfalfa last?

Alfalfa can remain productive in stands from four to ten years or more, but as plant population declines renovation eventually becomes necessary.

Can alfalfa reseed itself?

Alfalfa is a crop that naturally tends to lessen its density over time because alfalfa doesn’t reseed itself. Planting more alfalfa into current alfalfa fields is not recommended since alfalfa has autotoxicity characteristics. A good population/density is about 35 well-growing stems per square foot.

Why do you plant oats with alfalfa?

Alfalfa often may be seeded with a companion crop like oats to control weeds and erosion and provide a crop of grain or hay. They act like weeds, robbing alfalfa seedlings of moisture, sunlight, and nutrients during the seeding year. …

What month do you plant alfalfa?

Spring alfalfa should be planted from early April to early May. The month of choice for planting spring alfalfa is April. The crop can be planted into May in irrigated situations. While planting alfalfa in the fall increases the amount of forage produced the first year, planting alfalfa in the spring is less risky.

Is alfalfa good for soil?

Not only does alfalfa help prevent soil erosion, but it also protects and improves the soil with its protective canopy, deep root system, and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Unlike most other crops, the root system of alfalfa descends deeply into the soil – 9 to 16 feet.

What grows well with alfalfa?

Pros & Cons of Using Companion Crops When Planting Alfalfa. Alfalfa often may be seeded with a companion crop like oats to control weeds and erosion and provide a crop of grain or hay. Clear seeding alfalfa alone, without a companion crop, also works well.

Does alfalfa need a lot of water?

Alfalfa is a high water use crop because it has a long growing season, a deep root system, and a dense mass of vegetation. Commonly cited ranges in water requirements for alfalfa are 18 to 36 inches of water per season. Alfalfa is quite tolerant of drought or extended periods without highly available water.

What does alfalfa put into soil?

High-quality alfalfa meal is generally weed-free. It adds nitrogen and trace minerals to your soil. It also contains a natural fatty-acid growth stimulant called trianconatol. You can use it in place of other fertilizers or in conjunction with other soil amendments.